Source: Bureau of Meteorology

For people in Cherbourg and parts of Gympie, Somerset, Scenic Rim, South Burnett, Gold Coast, Noosa, Brisbane City and Moreton Bay Council Areas.

Issued at 6:29 pm Tuesday, 26 December 2023.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that, at 6:25 pm, a VERY DANGEROUS THUNDERSTORM likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds, large, possibly giant hailstones and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding was detected near Murgon and Cherbourg. This thunderstorm is moving towards the east. It is forecast to affect Goomeri, the area east of Murgon and the area north of Goomeri by 6:55 pm and the ranges between Gympie and Murgon, Elgin Vale and Kilkivan by 7:25 pm.

Other severe thunderstorms likely to produce large hailstones, damaging winds and heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding were detected near the area southeast of Gympie, Kin Kin, Bribie Island and the area south of Canungra. These thunderstorms are moving towards the east. They are forecast to affect Redcliffe, the area northwest of Noosa Heads and the area north of Noosa Heads by 6:55 pm and Coolangatta, northern Moreton Island and Cape Moreton by 7:25 pm.

100 km/h wind gust recorded at Gympie at 2:34 pm.

Large hail observed at Zillmere, estimated around 3.5 cm.

62 mm of rainfall recorded in the 1 hour to 4:30 pm at Jindalee Alert.

60 mm of rainfall recorded in the 1 hour to 4:30 pm at Pullenvale Alert.

Emergency services advise people to:
* If you have children make sure they are with you or an adult you trust.
* Pack away, secure or tie down outdoor furniture, toys and trampolines if it s safe to do so.
* Stay away from windows if there is giant hail.
* Park your car undercover away from trees.
* Close doors and windows.
* Keep asthma medications close by. Storms and wind can trigger asthma attacks.
* Charge mobile phones and power banks in case the power goes out.
* Put your pets somewhere safe and make sure they can be identified in case they get lost.
* Do not drive now unless you have to because conditions are dangerous.
* Tell friends, family and neighbours in the area.
* Go inside a strong building now. Stay inside until the storm has passed.